Sunday Thought For The Day

“There is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age.” ~ Sophia Loren

Lance writes stories from his heart, aiming to inspire and motivate, as you align more fully with YOUR true peak. When he's not here, you can find him hanging out with his family, riding a bike, or just generally acting goofy.
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Oh so true, Lance! We shape our days, our energy and vitality, by how we view ourselves, life’s circumstances. When filled with hope and confidence, looking at all the goodness we see everywhere, we’re naturally lifted and energized! It’s like taking an “I’m a kid again!” pill. Really, watching kids at play is a wonderful measuring stick…the focus on discovery, the thrill of accomplishment, the FUN of seeking the next adventure… I try to do that with everything I do. And, LOL, as much as I detest housecleaning, I’ve even been able to make a game of that—sometimes. 😉

It’s funny, I’m finding my mind, my talents, and my creativity are growing stronger with age. It is for these reasons I am embracing the concept of aging. Is this the fountain of youth or the fountain of being in the moment?

My husband has worked in two creative professions and I used to think I wasn’t creative.

I think Stacey has something in her comment b/c as I’ve grown older I’ve realized I am creative too, in my own way. Maybe with age comes creativity as well as wisdom! Or maybe we gain the perspective and wisdom needed to recognize and celebrate our creativity! I think that’s what Loren’s saying.

Funny you should select this one. In one of Ari’s recent posts he talked about seeing folks who physically look younger than their age because they are doing what they love for work. I find that to be so true. When we consider that stress causes aging and stress is mainly wanting to be somewhere that you are not, it’s easy to make the leap to stress-free creates agelessness.

You know what Lance? I think your blog’s tagline is perfect! “Traveling through the jungle we call life – one step at a time.” Or in your case… one post at a time. It feels like you’re encouraging our steps along the way with your words. Thanks 🙂

I find I look younger every day! (tongue in cheek) As I get a little older I want to make sure I am active both mentally and physically. I want to grow older being one of those who enter a room with passion and adventure written all over my face. I want to be a 78 year old surfer chick. I believe staying active is the key. It also doesn’t hurt to have some good hair color too!

AsSophia Loren implies, we each hold the secret to our own fountain of youth. It is all about raising awareness to the reasons behind why we create our perception. I heard about an 80 year old woman who recently climbed Manchu Picchu. Her philosophy is that she will do what her mind sets out for her to do. SHe does not create limitations based on external assumptions about age and physical limitation.

@Julie – Hey Julie, I like the idea of the “I’m a kid again” pills! That is what it’s like – if we can gain that wonderment that children have, and their ability to try things just because they want to (without the fear of being criticized, made fun of, etc.). A game of housecleaning – you are a kid at heart, aren’t you Julie!!

@Writer Dad – Yes, kids – if we can get inside their heads, and spend a bit more time thinking/acting like them – the youthfulness will be ours! Forever!

@Evelyn – Tapping into creativity – yes, finding that things (or things) that really bring out our creative side – what a great way to stay “young” and alive. Thank you Evelyn…

@Stacey/Create A Balance – Isn’t that awesome, it’s like you’re getting younger as you get older! Being in the moment – a great way to look at this. It is in the moments of our life that we become who we are. And, if that keeps us feeling and acting “young” – that’s icing on the cake!

@Linda – That photo is great isn’t it – to me, it just really shows the youthful side of being carefree and alive! I think that with age, creativity can come – if we allow it to fully come out. And that is being in the moments of our lives, really being there – and embracing what excites us. And yes, we begin to realize that we all can be creative, in our very own unique ways.

@Tom – Interesting addition to this Tom – stress. I hadn’t thought much about it, but that makes so much sense. When we have more stress in our lives, we do feel worn down and beat up. And that’s a recipe for feeling older than we really are. So, by eliminating (or reducing) stress, we do feel younger…Thanks for adding that perspective Tom!

@Davina – Thank you Davina! That’s what I’m trying to do, and it’s as much for myself too…it’s a jungle for me out there many days!

@Natalia – Yes, Ms. Loren really got it right – and I want that fountain!

On the evening news the other night they showed a nonagenarian dancing up a storm. She had always loved to dance, but her husband didn’t. So after he died she found a partner and is making up for lost time. She told the interviewer to come back in 8 years…she’ll be dancing to celebrate turning 100.

I think of life as a shared adventure rather than as a jungle. Same thing but a different emphasis. 🙂

@Kim – Living, really living – is what life is about! Let’s make the most of all the moments we have in our lives, because you never know when they might end. Great way to look at it Kim!

@Meleah – With a message like this, how can you not love her!!

@avtcoach – Thank you very much! I’ll be checking it out – you are too kind!!

@Laurie – You’re doing some pretty cool things right now Laurie – and that all shouts passion! So, you ARE in that fountain. I can’t wait to see what you’re doing at 78!!

@Audra – Yes, this is one of those things we don’t want to put off – do it now! And, I think, no matter where we are on the whole “fountain of youth” continuum, we can all take positive steps to continue toward even more youth-filled moments! Thanks for stopping by Audra, and reminding me that this stuff need to start NOW…

@Caroline – Yes, age is just a number. Our true age – the age of our souls – is measured not in years, but in our moments (thanks for the reminder on this Stacey). And, yes – we give those years meaning. What kind of meaning? That’s up to us, and how we really live out our days, isn’t it!

@Jannie – From what I know of you Jannie, that doesn’t surprise me (and that’s awesome)! Me? Yes, I’m going to work at really staying in that fountain as long as I am here on earth! It’s a great place to hang out in!

@Liara – Holding our own secrects to that fountain of youth – I love that Liara. It says to me that we’re all different – and we should embrace our differences, live in the moments of our lives, and love the life we are having! What wonderful thoughts! Your example of the 80 year old woman climbing Manchu Picchu – these are great stories to hear and be reminded that we shouldn’t let our actual age limit us from what we think we can or can’t do. Thanks for sharing that, Liara, and reminding us all that life is what we make it to be!

@Jean – What a great story Jean, and reminder that we can make changes and do the things we love whenever we want to. Just because we’re a certain age doesn’t mean that we “can’t” do something – I say let’s dance when we’re 100 if that what we really want to do! Life being a “shared adventure” – yes, that is one of the things that makes life worth living – it’s in sharing with the others who have meaning in our lives. So, maybe (just maybe) it’s not always a jungle out there…(but sometimes…)

Wonderful quote. My great grandfather always said you are only as old as you feel. We have seen the power of our minds over our body and we know it works. My great grandfather lived to be 96 and I believe his mental mindset played a huge role. 🙂

@Rachel – Your great grandfather exhibited a great attitude Rachel! No doubt, this helped him to “live” as long as he did. Some people die before they really die, and I think that happens when we give up on life (and it can happen at any age). This is a true example of living right up until the end – awesome!

@Pink Ink – I’m jumping in your wagon with you Jewel! You’ve got the right attitude and ideas about letting the “child” in you out! Let’s play!!

@Munchkins and Music – I think it is too….me may age in years, but that doesn’t mean we have to age in life…

This is my motto in life! I am playing my way through life and that’s why I am not getting old. I’m having too much fun being creative and hanging out with like-minded people who are positive and inspiring and keep me young. I never worry about the numbers. I’m thinking about training for another marathon when I turn 50 in another year and a half!

Great quote Lance. Ah, creativity gets the mind juices going doesn’t it! I wish everyone could know my sister-n-law. Creativity oozes from her every being. She is very much alive and makes others that way as well.

@Wendi – And it’s a motto that fits you very well Wendi! You exude fun – and I say go for the marathon! That’s an awesome goal for 50!!

@Rachel – You’re doing it right Rachel. Continue doing that, and life will just get grander every day!

@Stacey Shipman – You have a belief that will suit you well Stacey. I tend to not think so much about the number, and more about what am I doing, how am I challenging myself, etc. Here’s to keeping our state of mind young!

@Rummuser – Sophia Loren really has said it well, hasn’t she!

@Mindful Mimi – Two great ways to exercise both your body and your creativity!

@Suzie – Yes, let’s all jump in that fountain and soak it all in – and we can – using our minds, our creativity, and our talents – to always stay young at heart – no matter what the biological clock says.

@Sagan – I love the picture too – it fits well, I think, with the idea behind this quote.

@Carla – This quote was new to me too (so you’re not the only one!). I’m glad you enjoyed it!

@Tammy – I do believe that Tammy – you are a kid at heart! Stay that way always…

@Jennifer – Your sister-in-law just sounds like an amazing and creative lady – and when we meet these people – they do share that enthusiasm for life with us – what a gift they give! I think you’re that way too…

Hi Lance: Sofia Loren is a great person to quote on how to age well; she’s still spectacular. The quote highlights that even though there are some things that are out of our control, keeping our spirits high and constantly looking for ways to employ our talents to help others is within our control and a great way to stay young at heart.